Summary
Ranging from the misty jungles and roaring waterfalls of the Amazon in the east to the salt-sprayed Pacific seaboard in the west, Ecuador encompasses everything from wondrous cloud forests to brooding volcanoes, Andean peaks, and Incan ruins within its borders.
Here, we present the top 15 destinations that every traveler should include in their Ecuadorian itinerary, highlighting the best places to visit in Ecuador:
1. Quito
Cascading down the rugged slopes of Pichincha Volcano, this city is renowned as the highest official capital worldwide, representing a significant travel destination within Ecuador.
Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978, the city center is celebrated for its vibrant pueblo houses, gilded Spanish plazas, intricately painted colonial structures, and captivating cobbled streets, each echoing historical footsteps from the conquistadores to Incan imperialists.
In the outskirts, the hillsides of El Panecillo give way to the towering Andean peaks, shrouded in mist or adorned with snow according to the season.
Meanwhile, Mercado Santa Clara and various dining establishments abound with local buzz, offering traditional dishes including camarones and cuy (guinea pig). La Carolina Park thrives with cyclists and football enthusiasts alike.
2. Canoa
Once a tranquil fishing village amid mangroves, Canoa has transformed into a lively destination with a distinct air of confidence.
During daylight, locals engage in canoeing and kayaking over the waves, while surfers refine their skills on challenging swells, particularly from December through spring. By night, Rasta bars and bamboo cocktail shacks come alive with Pisco sours and the vibrant chatter of travelers, creating a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.
3. Montanita
Located two hours along the Pacific coast from Guayaquil, Montanita presents a vibrant collection of beachfront bars and bamboo huts.
As one of Ecuador’s most reliable surfing locales, Montanita offers ample opportunities for board rentals and surf instruction.
As night falls, the sounds of Marley and the Wailers fill the air, while sunsets attract yogis practicing their stretches on the nearby boulders and cliffs.
If you seek an immersive experience in South American beach culture alongside excellent surfing prospects, this destination is ideal!
4. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi dominates the Ecuadorian landscape with its imposing presence, characterized by mist and snow-capped peaks.
While it is not the highest peak in the country—a title held by the massive Chimborazo—Cotopaxi reaches such a great height that it can be seen from the heart of Quito when skies are clear.
A multitude of climbers is drawn here, equipped with crampons and ice picks to conquer one of the few permanent ice fields along the equator.
5. Cuenca
Mirroring its Spanish namesake, Cuenca is a city of striking beauty.
Infused with colonial charm, it boasts neo-classical and baroque architecture, countless church spires, and the eye-catching domes of the Catedral Nueva, which provide numerous photo opportunities.
Visitors often explore the quaint streets and captivating 16th-century plazas, admiring the churches and vibrant bougainvillea surrounding the Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion and beyond.
Following an exploration of the city’s Spanish history, northward excursions lead to the remnants of Ingapirca, known as the largest Incan archaeological site in Ecuador.
6. Banos
Roaring waterfalls cascade through the ridges of the La Cordillera de los Llanganates at Banos, where steaming hot springs release plumes of steam into surrounding jungles.
Trekking trails meander throughout the highlands encircling the town, and mountain biking enthusiasts relish the extensive routes through the rainforests.
Banos, known as the ‘Gateway to the Amazon,’ emerges as a hidden gem, despite its somewhat ramshackle appearance and unassuming array of guesthouses and adventure outfitters.
7. Otavalo
Nestled high in the Northern Sierra ranges, the quaint town of Otavalo has gained popularity among travelers in recent decades.
Its vibrant marketplace, featuring stacks of alpaca wool and colorful Quechua clothing, animist totems, and reed-grass voodoo artifacts, has been a significant attraction for centuries, with local inhabitants tracing their ancestry back to pre-Incan tribes.
The surrounding countryside showcases the impressive Imbabura Volcano, regarded as one of Ecuador’s premier climbing sites.
8. Atacames
Atacames stands as one of the foremost beach towns along Ecuador’s Pacific coast.
This town hosts a vibrant atmosphere distinct from the rustic bamboo resorts along the southern shorelines.
The expansive beach, while slightly polluted, attracts visitors with its lively atmosphere, featuring fishermen and open-air discos pulsating with Europop and reggae sounds during the peak season.
This spirited and earthy vibe draws crowds to Atacames, where locals frequently gather from the Andes to enjoy lively nightlife alongside Pisco sours, mojitos, and casual dining options.
9. Guamote
The charming town of Guamote features a rich tapestry of mud-brick houses and breeze-block structures, friendly indigenous residents, and peaceful plazas, where the native language of the region still resonates amidst the adobe walls.
Visitors are particularly drawn to the legendary Thursday market, where Guamote bursts with vibrant trinkets, handmade totems, and colorful attire. Others seek outdoor adventures on the trails leading to the stunning Lagunas de Atillo and the majestic Sangay National Park.
10. Galapagos Islands
In 1835, Charles Darwin and his ship, the HMS Beagle, arrived at these isolated islands situated approximately 906 kilometers west of the Ecuadorian mainland.
What Darwin observed here inspired one of the most transformative theories in history.
This archipelago is renowned for its astonishing biodiversity, featuring unique species such as blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, colossal albatrosses, fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, red bats, and flamingos amidst its volcanic slopes and windswept shores.
Today, visitors explore the remarkable wildlife, engage in scuba diving among vibrant reefs, and traverse the striking landscapes of the islands’ interior.
11. Tena
While Tena may lack the colonial churches and picturesque plazas of its mountaintop neighbors, it offers a unique allure that others can only aspire to: untamed rainforest.
This lively transport hub on the Amazon basin’s edge buzzes with backpackers and adventurous spirits eager to partake in excursions to pristine waterfalls or navigate the legendary Jatunyacu River by kayak or raft.
Caving enthusiasts can also explore the numerous tunnels and karst caverns hidden beneath the lush undergrowth surrounding Archidona.
12. Vilcabamba
Tucked between the breathtaking landscapes of Podocarpus National Forest and the mythical Mount Mandango, Vilcabamba served as a royal escape for Incan nobility.
Today, the town welcomes travelers, offering activities ranging from horseback riding in the scenic wilderness to hiking, spa retreats, and enjoying the moderate climate and refreshing breezes year-round.
It is believed that the local residents, characterized by their hospitable nature, enjoy unusually long lifespans—perhaps attributed to their traditional herbal remedies or the lingering spirit of ancient Incan royalty in the hills.
13. Mindo
Nestled within a valley enveloped by cloud forests and Andean peaks, Mindo has garnered a universal appeal amongst visitors.
As a key stop on the Ecuadorian gringo trail, it offers those seeking the great outdoors a taste of wild mountain landscapes and rich tropical jungles.
The town itself is a charming blend of bamboo and timber residences amidst the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve, featuring cascading waterfalls, singing tree canopies, scenic trails, tubing rivers, exhilarating whitewater rapids, and rolling highland meadows.
It’s truly a remarkable destination!
14. Guayaquil
Guayaquil, the bustling southern hub, stands as Ecuador’s largest city and a vibrant port influenced by diverse cultures.
Located at the delta of the Guayas River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, the city is a mosaic of breeze-block neighborhoods and pastel-colored hillside homes, culminating in the lively Malecon promenade along the waterfront.
Delicious ceviche and authentic seafood salads are served at local eateries, while students and visitors enjoy sunset beverages against a backdrop of ocean views.
Notably, the Zona Rosa and Penas districts are known for their energetic nightlife, with various venues inviting late-night revelry.
15. Zaruma
Villa Real de San Antonio del Cerro de Oro de Zaruma, or simply Zaruma, rests on the hillsides of Vizcaya, just inland from Ecuador’s picturesque coastal plains.
This intriguing town is adorned with both dilapidated miners’ houses and the stately mansions of prosperous prospectors from the area’s gold mining past.
Today, visitors can choose to explore the depths of the former mining sites or relax in the local cafes, sampling delicious tigrillo dishes made with plantains and regional cheeses.
